Game controller for a mobile device

ABSTRACT

A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/808,339, filed Mar. 3, 2020, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter is related to an apparatus and methods for a gamecontroller for a mobile device.

BACKGROUND

A game controller is a device used to provide input to a video game, forexample to control an object or character in the video game. The videogame may be running on a computer, a specially designed gaming system,or a mobile device. In some prior art devices, the game controller isdesigned to mechanically couple to a mobile device.

Embodiments of the technology disclosed in this document addressshortcomings in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game controller, according toembodiments.

FIGS. 2-4 are each top views of the game controller of FIG. 1 ,collectively showing an example process of how the game controller maycontact and support an example mobile device.

FIG. 5 is a front, partial sectional view of the game controller of FIG.1 in an example of a retracted configuration of the game controller.

FIG. 6 is a front, partial sectional view of the game controller of FIG.1 in an example of an extended configuration of the game controller.

FIG. 7 is a close-up of a portion of the game controller of FIGS. 5 and6 , illustrating an example latch mechanism in an unlatchedconfiguration.

FIG. 8 is a close-up of a portion of the game controller of FIGS. 5 and6 , illustrating the example latch mechanism of FIG. 7 in a latchedconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a close-up of a portion of a first alternative arrangement forthe game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration.

FIG. 10 is a close-up of a portion of a first alternative arrangementfor the game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the examplelatch mechanism of FIG. 9 in a latched configuration.

FIG. 11 is a close-up of a portion of a second alternative arrangementfor the game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration.

FIG. 12 is a close-up of a portion of a second alternative arrangementfor the game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the examplelatch mechanism of FIG. 11 in a latched configuration.

FIG. 13 is a close-up of a portion of a third alternative arrangementfor the game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration.

FIG. 14 is a close-up of a portion of a third alternative arrangementfor the game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the examplelatch mechanism of FIG. 13 in a latched configuration.

FIG. 15 is a close-up of a portion of a fourth alternative arrangementfor the game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration.

FIG. 16 is a close-up of a portion of a fourth alternative arrangementfor the game controller of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the examplelatch mechanism of FIG. 15 in a latched configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in this document, embodiments are directed to a gamecontroller for a mobile device with a hold-open feature.

Keeping the handles pulled apart while inserting the mobile device intoa game controller can be difficult. For example, a user holding a mobiledevice in the user's right hand may need to use the user's left hand topull the two handles apart when placing the mobile device between thetwo handles of the game controller. This difficulty with insertion maybe exacerbated when the game controller connects to the mobile devicevia a connector, such as USB-C connector, because the user must alsoensure that the mobile device is aligned with the connector wheninserting it. The removal of the mobile device may be equally vexing asthe user must once again attempt to pull the two handles apart with onehand.

But in embodiments of the disclosed game controller, once the handlesare pulled apart sufficiently, the handles lock in place, allowing theuser to easily insert the mobile device. Then, by applying lightpressure on the handles, the user can unlock the handles and snap thedevice shut, securing the mobile device to the game controller.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing portions of a game controller 100,according to embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a game controller100 may include a first handle 101, a second handle 102, and a bridge119. Each of the first handle 101 and the second handle 102 isconfigured to contact and support a mobile device 199, though not allcontemplated embodiments will include the second handle 102. Anexemplary mobile device 199 is shown in broken lines to illustrate howthe game controller 100 may contact and support a mobile device 199 insome embodiments. The mobile device 199 may be, as examples, asmartphone or a tablet computer.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first handle 101 includes a guide portion113 and a main body portion 105. The guide portion 113 extends from themain body portion 105 and along a first end 115 of the span 120 of thebridge 119. (See also FIGS. 5 and 6 .) The guide portion 113 of thefirst handle 101 is configured to align the bridge 119 with the mainbody portion 105 of the first handle 101.

As illustrated, the first handle 101 includes a user-accessible, firsthardware interface 103 on the main body portion 105 of the first handle101. The first hardware interface 103 could be a button, an analogstick, a touchscreen, a touchpad, a knob, a slider, a switch, a wheel, adial, a directional pad, or another such feature configured to accepttouch inputs from a user's finger or a stylus. As shown in FIG. 1 , thefirst hardware interface 103 may include multiple such hardwareinterfaces.

Likewise, the second handle 102 includes a guide portion 114 and a mainbody portion 106. The guide portion 114 extends from the main bodyportion 106 and along a second end 116 of the span 120 of the bridge119. (See also FIGS. 5 and 6 .) The guide portion 114 of the secondhandle 102 is configured to align the bridge 119 with the main bodyportion 106 of the second handle 102.

As illustrated, the second handle 102 further includes auser-accessible, second hardware interface 104 on the main body portion106 of the second handle 102. As above for the first hardware interface103 of the first handle 101, the second hardware interface 104 could bea button, an analog stick, a touchscreen, a touchpad, a knob, a slider,a switch, a wheel, a dial, a directional pad, or another such featureconfigured to accept touch inputs from a user's finger or a stylus. Thesecond hardware interface 104 may include multiple such hardwareinterfaces, as illustrated in FIG. 1 .

One or both of the first handle 101 and the second handle 102 mayinclude a connector 125 for physical and electrical connection to themobile device 199. The connector 125 may be, for example, a USB-Cconnector.

FIGS. 2-4 are top views of the game controller 100 of FIG. 1 , showingan example process of how the game controller 100 may contact andsupport an example mobile device 199. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , themobile device 199 may be placed over the bridge 119, between the firsthandle 101 and the second handle 102 of the game controller 100. Asillustrated in FIG. 3 , the connector 125 of the game controller 100 maybe joined with a corresponding connector on the mobile device 199. FIGS.2 and 3 show examples of an extended configuration of the gamecontroller 100. In FIG. 4 , the mobile device 199 is secured between thefirst handle 101 and the second handle 102 of the game controller 100.FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a retracted configuration of the gamecontroller 100. The extended configuration and the retractedconfiguration of the game controller 100 will be described in moredetail below. The reader will note, though, that there is more than oneretracted configuration. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an example of aretracted configuration when the game controller 100 is securing amobile device 199. As another example, FIG. 5 (described below)illustrates an example of a retracted configuration when the gamecontroller 100 is not securing a mobile device 199.

FIG. 5 is a front, partial sectional view of the game controller 100 ofFIG. 1 in an example of a retracted configuration of the game controller100. FIG. 6 is a front, partial sectional view of the game controller100 of FIG. 1 in an example of an extended configuration of the gamecontroller 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 , a game controller 100 mayinclude a first handle 101, a second handle 102, and a bridge 119, eachas described above for FIGS. 1-4 . In each of FIGS. 5-6 , externalportions of the first handle 101, the second handle 102, and the bridge119 are not shown to make certain internal features visible.

As illustrated, the bridge 119 is in sliding engagement with the firsthandle 101. As illustrated, the bridge 119 is not telescoping, meaningthat segments of the bridge 119 do not slide within another segment ofthe bridge 119 to allow for lengthening or shortening of the bridge 119.The bridge 119 has a span 120 extending away from the main body portion105 of the first handle 101, and the span 120 has a transverse midline121.

The bridge 119 and the first handle 101 are configured to allow the mainbody portion 105 of the first handle 101 to translate in a retractiondirection 122 toward the midline 121 of the bridge 119 and into aretracted configuration, such as one of the example retractedconfigurations illustrated in FIG. 4 or 5 . The bridge 119 and the firsthandle 101 are configured to allow the main body portion 105 of thefirst handle 101 to also translate in an extension direction 123 awayfrom the midline 121 of the bridge 119 into an extended configuration,such as one of the example extended configurations illustrated in FIG. 2or 6 .

As used in this disclosure, the transverse midline 121 of the bridge 119is a reference datum used to define the extension direction 123 and theretraction direction 122. That is, the retraction direction 122 istoward the transverse midline 121, while the retraction direction 122 isaway from the transverse midline 121. Accordingly, the transversemidline 121 of the bridge 119 may or may not coincide with a physicalstructure on the game controller 100.

Likewise, the bridge 119, as illustrated, is in sliding engagement withthe second handle 102, and the span 120 of the bridge 119 extends awayfrom the main body portion 106 of the second handle 102. The bridge 119and the second handle 102 are configured to allow the main body portion106 of the second handle 102 to translate in the retraction direction122 toward the midline 121 of the bridge 119 and into the retractedconfiguration. The bridge 119 and the second handle 102 are configuredto allow the main body portion 106 of the second handle 102 to alsotranslate in the extension direction 123 away from the midline 121 ofthe bridge 119 into the extended configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 , the game controller 100 may also include afirst spring mechanism 107, a second spring mechanism 108, a first latchmechanism 109, a second latch mechanism 110, a first linear rack 111, asecond linear rack 112, and a pinion 124. These are described below.

The first spring mechanism 107 is configured to bias the first handle101 toward the retracted configuration. In addition, the first springmechanism 107 exerts a first retraction force on the first latchmechanism 109 in the retraction direction 122. As illustrated, the firstspring mechanism 107 may be attached to the first handle 101 through ashaft 117 and is also attached to the bridge 119. The first springmechanism 107 may be or include a first constant-load spring connectingthe first handle 101 to the bridge 119. The first constant-load springis configured to exert a substantially constant force on the firsthandle 101 in the retraction direction 122. As used in this disclosure,“substantially constant” means largely or essentially invariable, yetwithout requiring perfect constancy, as the game controller 100transitions from the retracted configuration to the extendedconfiguration and from the extended configuration to the retractedconfiguration.

The second spring mechanism 108 is configured to bias the second handle102 toward the retracted configuration. In addition, the second springmechanism 108 exerts a second retraction force on the second latchmechanism 110 in the retraction direction 122. As illustrated, thesecond spring mechanism 108 is attached to the second handle 102 througha shaft 118 and is also attached to the bridge 119. The second springmechanism 108 may be or include a second constant-load spring connectingthe second handle 102 to the bridge 119. The second constant-load springis configured to exert a substantially constant force on the secondhandle 102 in the retraction direction 122.

The first latch mechanism 109 is configured to temporarily lock thebridge 119 in the extended configuration. The first latch mechanism 109is further configured to require a first disengagement force in theretraction direction 122 to unlock the bridge 119 from the extendedconfiguration. The first disengagement force is greater than the firstretraction force exerted by the first spring mechanism 107 in theretraction direction 122. The additional force (that is, that portion ofthe first disengagement force that exceeds the first retraction force)may be provided by, for example, pressure from the user's hands exertedin the retraction direction 122.

Likewise, the second latch mechanism 110 is configured to temporarilylock the bridge 119 in the extended configuration. The second latchmechanism 110 is further configured to require a second disengagementforce in the retraction direction 122 to unlock the bridge 119 from theextended configuration. The second disengagement force is greater thanthe second retraction force exerted by the second spring mechanism 108in the retraction direction 122. The additional force (that is, thatportion of the second disengagement force that exceeds the secondretraction force) may be provided by, for example, pressure from theuser's hands exerted in the retraction direction 122.

As illustrated, the first linear rack 111 is coupled to the first handle101 and is in sliding engagement with the bridge 119. The first linearrack 111 extends substantially along the span 120 of the bridge 119. Asused in this disclosure, “substantially along” means largely oressentially in the direction of, without requiring perfect conformity.The first linear rack 111 may further include a step 126 or indentation,which may engage with the first latch mechanism 109 as described morefully below. As used in this disclosure, “to engage” means “to interlockwith; to fit together.”

The second linear rack 112 is coupled to the second handle 102 and is insliding engagement with the bridge 119. The second linear rack 112extends substantially along the span 120 of the bridge 119. The secondlinear rack 112 may further include a step 126, which may engage withthe second latch mechanism 110 as described more fully below.

As illustrated, the pinion 124 is affixed to the bridge 119. The pinion124 is in contact with each of the first linear rack 111 and the secondlinear rack 112. The pinion 124 is configured to rotate relative to thebridge 119 as the first linear rack 111 is translated relative to thepinion 124. The pinion 124 is also configured to rotate as the secondlinear rack 112 is translated relative to the pinion 124.

FIG. 7 is a close-up of a portion of the game controller 100 of FIGS. 5and 6 , illustrating an example latch mechanism in an unlatchedconfiguration. FIG. 8 is a close-up of a portion of the game controller100 of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the example latch mechanism of FIG.7 in a latched configuration. While illustrated and described for thefirst-handle side of the game controller 100, the discussion for FIGS. 7and 8 applies equally to the second-handle side of the game controller100. Hence, the example latch mechanism of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be thefirst latch mechanism 109 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 , the secondlatch mechanism 110 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 , or both thefirst latch mechanism 109 and the second latch mechanism 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the example latch mechanism mayinclude a catch 127 coupled to the bridge 119. The catch 127 isconfigured to contact and engage the step 126 on the first linear rack111 in the extended configuration and disengage from the step 126 on thefirst linear rack 111 in the retracted configuration. To facilitate theengagement and disengagement of the catch 127 from the step 126, thestep 126 may be angled or rounded, or a portion of the catch 127 facingthe step 126 may be angled or rounded, or both.

As illustrated, the catch 127 is coupled to the bridge 119 through apivot 128. The first latch mechanism 109 may also include a cantileveredspring 129 configured to apply a torque to the catch 127 about the pivot128 to bias the catch 127 against the first linear rack 111. Thecantilevered spring 129 may be coupled to the bridge 119 by one or moreattachment points 130.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2-8 , in use the game controller 100may initially be in a retracted configuration, such as the retractedconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 5 . In the retracted configuration,the catch 127 is disengaged from the step 126 on the first linear rack111. In versions having a catch 127 on a second linear rack 112 (also orinstead of the catch 127 on the first linear rack 111), in the retractedconfiguration, the catch 127 is disengaged from the step 126 on thesecond linear rack 112.

Then, the user may apply a force (using, for example, the user's hands)to the first handle 101 or the second handle 102, or both, in theextension direction 123 to move the game controller 100 into an extendedconfiguration, such as the extended configurations illustrated in FIGS.1,2, and 6 . In other words, the user may pull the first handle 101 andthe second handle 102 apart from each other.

In transitioning to the extended configuration, the first linear rack111 slides relative to the catch 127 for the first end 115 of the span120 until that catch 127 is aligned with the step 126 in the firstlinear rack 111. During the transition, the first spring mechanism 107continues to bias the first handle 101 toward the retractedconfiguration and exerts a first retraction force on the first latchmechanism 109 in the retraction direction 122. The cantilevered spring129 then causes the catch 127 for the first end 115 of the span 120 toengage the step 126 of the first linear rack 111 by forcing the catch127 into the step 126. The first latch mechanism 109 is now temporarilylocking the bridge 119 in the extended configuration by way of the catch127.

In versions having a catch 127 on a second linear rack 112 (also orinstead of the catch 127 on the first linear rack 111), in transitioningto the extended configuration, the second linear rack 112 slidesrelative to the catch 127 for the second end 116 of the span 120 untilthe catch 127 is aligned with the step 126 in the second linear rack112. During the transition, the second spring mechanism 108 continues tobias the second handle 102 toward the retracted configuration and exertsa second retraction force on the second latch mechanism 110 in theretraction direction 122. The cantilevered spring 129 then causes thecatch 127 for the second end 116 of the span 120 to engage the step 126of the second linear rack 112 by forcing the catch 127 into the step126. The second latch mechanism 110 is now temporarily locking thebridge 119 in the extended configuration by way of the catch 127.

With the bridge 119 temporarily locked in the extended configuration,the user may then insert a mobile device 199 into the game controller100 by placing the mobile device 199 over the bridge 119, such asillustrated in FIG. 2 . If necessary, the connector 125 of the gamecontroller 100 may then be joined with a corresponding connector on themobile device 199, such as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

To unlock the hold-open feature, where the bridge 119 is temporarilylocked in the extended configuration, and return the game controller 100to a retracted configuration, the user typically applies a force to thefirst handle 101 in the retraction direction 122. This user-appliedforce, coupled with the first retraction force exerted by the firstspring mechanism 107, causes the catch 127 for the first end 115 of thespan 120 to disengage from the step 126 in the first linear rack 111.Once disengaged, the first retraction force exerted by the first springmechanism 107 causes the game controller 100 to transition to aretracted configuration.

In versions having a catch 127 on a second linear rack 112 (also orinstead of the catch 127 on the first linear rack 111), the user mayapply a force to the second handle 102 in the retraction direction 122.This user-applied force, coupled with the second retraction forceexerted by the second spring mechanism 108, causes the catch 127 for thesecond end 116 of the span 120 to disengage from the step 126 in thesecond linear rack 112. Once disengaged, the second retraction forceexerted by the second spring mechanism 108 causes the game controller100 to transition to a retracted configuration.

Since moving the game controller 100 from the retracted configuration tothe extended configuration is often done by using both of the user'shands (such as, for example, one hand on each of the first handle 101and the second handle 102), the hold-open feature allows the user—oncethe game controller 100 is temporarily locked in the extendedconfiguration—to remove one or both of the user's hands from the gamecontroller 100 (such as, for example, from either the first handle 101or the second handle 102, or both) to manipulate the mobile device 199into position, such as the position illustrated in FIG. 2 . Hence,embodiments of the disclosed technology allow the user to efficientlyand easily insert and remove a mobile device 199 from the gamecontroller 100.

FIG. 9 is a close-up of a portion of an alternative arrangement for thegame controller 100 of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration. FIG. 10 is a close-up of aportion of an alternative arrangement for the game controller 100 ofFIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the example latch mechanism of FIG. 9 in alatched configuration. While illustrated and described for thefirst-handle side of the game controller 100, the discussion for FIGS. 9and 10 applies equally to the second-handle side of the game controller100. Hence, the example latch mechanism of FIGS. 9 and 10 may be thefirst latch mechanism 109 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 , the secondlatch mechanism 110 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 , or both thefirst latch mechanism 109 and the second latch mechanism 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the example latch mechanism mayinclude a tension spring 132 coupled to the bridge 119. An engagementportion 131 of the tension spring 132 is configured to contact andengage the step 126 on the first linear rack 111 in the extendedconfiguration and disengage from the step 126 on the first linear rack111 in the retracted configuration. To facilitate the engagement anddisengagement of the catch 127 from the step 126, the step 126 may beangled or rounded.

As illustrated, the tension spring 132 is coupled to the bridge 119through one or more attachment points 133. The tension spring 132 isconfigured to bias the engagement portion 131 of the tension spring 132against the first linear rack 111. The engagement portion 131 isconfigured to engage the step 126 in the extended configuration.

Accordingly, in transitioning from the retracted configuration (anexample of which is illustrated in FIG. 9 ) to the extendedconfiguration (an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 10 ), thefirst linear rack 111 slides relative to the engagement portion 131 ofthe tension spring 132 until the engagement portion 131 is aligned withthe step 126 in the first linear rack 111. The tension spring 132 thencauses the engagement portion 131 to engage the step 126 of the firstlinear rack 111 by forcing the engagement portion 131 into the step 126.Likewise, in transitioning from the extended configuration to theretracted configuration, the engagement portion 131 of the tensionspring 132 is disengaged from the step 126 in the first linear rack 111.Otherwise, operation of this example latch mechanism is substantially asdescribed above for FIGS. 2-8 .

FIG. 11 is a close-up of a portion of an alternative arrangement for thegame controller 100 of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration. FIG. 12 is a close-up of aportion of an alternative arrangement for the game controller 100 ofFIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the example latch mechanism of FIG. 11 in alatched configuration. While illustrated and described for thefirst-handle side of the game controller 100, the discussion for FIGS.11 and 12 applies equally to the second-handle side of the gamecontroller 100. Hence, the example latch mechanism of FIGS. 11 and 12may be the first latch mechanism 109 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 ,the second latch mechanism 110 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 , orboth the first latch mechanism 109 and the second latch mechanism 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the example latch mechanism mayinclude a catch 134 coupled to the bridge 119. The catch 134 isconfigured to contact and engage the step 126 on the first linear rack111 in the extended configuration and disengage from the step 126 on thefirst linear rack 111 in the retracted configuration. To facilitate theengagement and disengagement of the catch 134 from the step 126, thestep 126 may be angled or rounded, or a portion of the catch 134 facingthe step 126 may be angled or rounded, or both.

As illustrated, the catch 134 is coupled to the bridge 119 through apivot 135. The first latch mechanism 109 may also include a cantileveredspring 136 configured to apply a torque to the catch 134 about the pivot135 to bias the catch 134 against the first linear rack 111. Asillustrated, the cantilevered spring 136 may be integral to and extendfrom the catch 134. Accordingly, the cantilevered spring 136 may beconfigured to slide through one or more guide points 137 of the bridge119, which constrain an end of the cantilevered spring 136 opposite thecatch 134.

Operation of this example latch mechanism is substantially as describedabove for FIGS. 2-8 .

FIG. 13 is a close-up of a portion of an alternative arrangement for thegame controller 100 of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration. FIG. 14 is a close-up of aportion of an alternative arrangement for the game controller 100 ofFIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the example latch mechanism of FIG. 13 in alatched configuration. While illustrated and described for thefirst-handle side of the game controller 100, the discussion for FIGS.13 and 14 applies equally to the second-handle side of the gamecontroller 100. Hence, the example latch mechanism of FIGS. 13 and 14may be the first latch mechanism 109 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 ,the second latch mechanism 110 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 , orboth the first latch mechanism 109 and the second latch mechanism 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the example latch mechanism mayinclude an elastic body 138 coupled to the bridge 119. The elastic body138 is configured to contact and frictionally engage a raised portion139 on the first linear rack 111 in the extended configuration anddisengage from the raised portion 139 in the retracted configuration. Tofacilitate the engagement and disengagement of the elastic body 138 fromthe raised portion 139, the raised portion 139 may be angled or rounded,or the raised portion 139 may be angled or rounded, or both. Asillustrated, the elastic body 138 is configured to elastically distortwhen engaged with the raised portion 139 of the first linear rack 111.

Accordingly, in transitioning from the retracted configuration (anexample of which is illustrated in FIG. 13 ) to the extendedconfiguration (an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 14 ), thefirst linear rack 111 slides relative to the elastic body 138 until theelastic body 138 contacts the raised portion 139 of the first linearrack 111. The elastic body 138 then elastically distorts andfrictionally engages the raised portion 139 on the first linear rack111. Likewise, in transitioning from the extended configuration to theretracted configuration, the elastic body 138 is disengaged from theraised portion 139 of the first linear rack 111. Otherwise, operation ofthis example latch mechanism is substantially as described above forFIGS. 2-8 .

FIG. 15 is a close-up of a portion of an alternative arrangement for thegame controller 100 of FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating an example latchmechanism in an unlatched configuration. FIG. 16 is a close-up of aportion of an alternative arrangement for the game controller 100 ofFIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrating the example latch mechanism of FIG. 15 in alatched configuration. While illustrated and described for thefirst-handle side of the game controller 100, the discussion for FIGS.15 and 16 applies equally to the second-handle side of the gamecontroller 100. Hence, the example latch mechanism of FIGS. 15 and 16may be the first latch mechanism 109 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 ,the second latch mechanism 110 described above for FIGS. 5 and 6 , orboth the first latch mechanism 109 and the second latch mechanism 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the example latch mechanism mayinclude one or more resilient clips 140 on the first handle 101. Asillustrated, the resilient clip 140 may be within the guide portion 113of the first handle 101. The resilient clip 140 is configured to contactand engage an outer edge of the bridge 119 in the extended configurationand to disengage from the outer edge of the bridge 119 in the retractedconfiguration. To facilitate the engagement and disengagement of theresilient clip 140 from the outer edge of the bridge 119, the resilientclip 140 may be angled or rounded, the outer edge may be angled orrounded, or both. The resilient clip 140 is biased against the outeredge of the bridge 119. As illustrated in FIG. 15 , the resilient clips140 may be disengaged from the outer edge of the bridge 119 while stillbeing in contact with the outer edge.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 , the resilient clip 140 engages a terminus ofthe bridge 119. In other embodiments, the resilient clip 140 may engagean indentation or step on the outer edge of the bridge 119, theindentation or step not being at the terminus of the bridge 119.

Alternatively, one or more resilient clips 140 may be on the bridge 119and be configured to contact and engage the first handle 101 in theextended configuration and to disengage from the first handle 101 in theretracted configuration.

With specific reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, in transitioning from the retracted configuration (an example of whichis illustrated in FIG. 15 ) to the extended configuration (an example ofwhich is illustrated in FIG. 16 ), the bridge 119 slides relative to thefirst handle 101 until the resilient clip 140 engages the terminus ofthe bridge 119. Likewise, in transitioning from the extendedconfiguration to the retracted configuration, the resilient clip 140 isdisengaged from the terminus of the bridge 119. Otherwise, operation ofthis example latch mechanism is analogous to what is described above forFIGS. 2-8 .

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the disclosed technologies are provided below.An embodiment of the technologies may include one or more, and anycombination of, the examples described below.

Example 1 includes a game controller for a mobile device, the gamecontroller comprising: a first handle configured to contact and supporta mobile device, the first handle comprising a user-accessible, firsthardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle andconfigured to accept touch inputs; a bridge in sliding engagement withthe first handle, the bridge having a span extending away from the mainbody portion of the first handle, the span having a transverse midline,the bridge and the first handle being configured for the main bodyportion of the first handle to translate in a retraction directiontoward the midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration andalso to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of thebridge into an extended configuration; a first spring mechanismconfigured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration;and a first latch mechanism configured to temporarily lock the bridge inthe extended configuration.

Example 2 includes the game controller of Example 1, the first latchmechanism being further configured to require a first disengagementforce in the retraction direction to unlock the bridge from the extendedconfiguration, the first disengagement force being greater than a firstretraction force exerted on the first latch mechanism in the retractiondirection by the first spring mechanism.

Example 3 includes the game controller of any of Examples 1-2, furthercomprising: a first linear rack coupled to the first handle and insliding engagement with the bridge, the first linear rack extendingsubstantially along the span of the bridge; and a pinion affixed to thebridge and in contact with the first linear rack, the pinion configuredto rotate relative to the bridge as the first linear rack is translatedrelative to the pinion.

Example 4 includes the game controller of any of Examples 1-3, in whichthe first spring mechanism comprises a first constant-load springconnecting the first handle to the bridge, the first constant-loadspring configured to exert a substantially constant force in theretraction direction.

Example 5 includes the game controller of any of Examples 1-4, in whichthe first latch mechanism comprises a catch coupled to the bridge andconfigured to contact and engage a step on the first linear rack in theextended configuration and disengage the step on the first linear rackin the retracted configuration.

Example 6 includes the game controller of Example 5, in which the catchis pivotally coupled to the bridge, the first latch mechanism furthercomprising a cantilevered spring configured to apply a torque to thecatch to bias the catch against the first linear rack.

Example includes the game controller of Example 6, in which thecantilevered spring is integral to and extends from the catch.

Example 8 includes the game controller of Example 5, in which the catchcomprises a tension spring having an engagement portion, the tensionspring configured to bias the engagement portion against the firstlinear rack, the engagement portion configured to engage the step in theextended configuration.

Example 9 includes the game controller of any of Examples 1-4, in whichthe first latch mechanism comprises an elastic body coupled to thebridge and configured to contact and frictionally engage a raisedportion on the first linear rack in the extended configuration anddisengage the raised portion on the first linear rack in the retractedconfiguration, the elastic body configured to elastically distort whenengaged with the raised portion of the first linear rack.

Example 10 includes the game controller of any of Examples 1-4, in whichthe first latch mechanism comprises a resilient clip on the firsthandle, the resilient clip configured to contact and engage an outeredge of the bridge in the extended configuration and disengage from theouter edge of the bridge in the retracted configuration.

Example 11 includes the game controller of Example 10, in which a guideportion of the first handle extends from the main body portion of thefirst handle and along a first end of the span of the bridge, the guideportion of the first handle configured to align the bridge with the mainbody portion of the first handle, and in which the resilient clip iswithin the guide portion of the first handle.

Example 12 includes the game controller of any of Examples 1-11, inwhich a guide portion of the first handle extends from the main bodyportion of the first handle and along a first end of the span of thebridge, the guide portion of the first handle configured to align thebridge with the main body portion of the first handle.

Example 13 includes the game controller of any of Examples 1-12, furthercomprising: a second handle configured to contact and support the mobiledevice, the second handle comprising a user-accessible, second hardwareinterface on a main body portion of the second handle and configured toaccept touch inputs, the bridge being in sliding engagement with thesecond handle, the midline of the bridge being between the first handleand the second handle, the bridge and the second handle being configuredfor the main body portion of the second handle to translate along thebridge in the retraction direction toward the midline of the bridge andinto the retracted configuration and also to translate in the extensiondirection away from the midline of the bridge and into the extendedconfiguration; a second spring mechanism configured to bias the secondhandle toward the retracted configuration; and a second latch mechanismconfigured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.

Example 14 includes the game controller of Example 13, the second latchmechanism being further configured to require a second disengagementforce in the retraction direction to unlock the bridge from the extendedconfiguration, the second disengagement force being greater than asecond retraction force exerted on the second latch mechanism in theretraction direction by the second spring mechanism.

Example 15 includes the game controller of any of Examples 13-14,further comprising a second linear rack coupled to the second handle andin sliding engagement with the bridge, the second linear rack extendingsubstantially along the span of the bridge, the pinion being in contactwith the second linear rack, the pinion further configured to rotaterelative to the bridge as the second linear rack is translated relativeto the pinion.

Example 16 includes the game controller of any of Examples 13-15, inwhich the second spring mechanism comprises a second constant-loadspring connecting the second handle to the bridge, the secondconstant-load spring configured to exert a substantially constant forcein the retraction direction.

Example 17 includes the game controller of any of Examples 13-16, inwhich a guide portion of the second handle extends from the main bodyportion of the second handle and along a second end of the span of thebridge, the guide portion of the second handle configured to align thebridge with the main body portion of the second handle.

Example 18 includes a method for engaging a mobile device with a gamecontroller, the method including: moving a first handle in an extensiondirection along a bridge in sliding engagement with the first handlefrom a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, the firsthandle configured to contact and support the mobile device, the firsthandle comprising a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a mainbody portion of the first handle and configured to accept touch inputs,the extension direction being away from a transverse midline of thebridge; temporarily locking, with a first mechanism coupled to thebridge, the first handle in the extended configuration; positioning themobile device to contact and be supported by the game controller;unlocking, by disengaging the first mechanism, the first handle from theextended configuration; and moving, via a first force mechanism coupledto the first handle, the first handle toward the retractedconfiguration.

Example 19 includes the method of Example 18, further comprising: beforepositioning the mobile device to contact and be supported by the gamecontroller: moving a second handle of the game controller in theextension direction, the second handle configured to contact and supportthe mobile device, the second handle comprising a user-accessible,second hardware interface on a main body portion of the second handleand configured to accept touch inputs, and temporarily locking, with asecond mechanism coupled to the bridge, the second handle in theextended configuration; and after positioning the mobile device tocontact and be supported by the game controller, unlocking, bydisengaging the second mechanism, the second handle from the extendedconfiguration, and moving, via a second force mechanism coupled to thesecond handle, the second handle toward the retracted configuration.

The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter havemany advantages that were either described or would be apparent to aperson of ordinary skill. Even so, all of these advantages or featuresare not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, ormethods. For example, not all contemplated embodiments will include thesecond handle. As another example, not all contemplated embodimentshaving the second handle will include the second latch mechanism or thesecond spring mechanism. As another example, not all contemplatedembodiments will include the connector of the game controller if, forexample, the mobile device and the game controller communicatewirelessly.

Additionally, this written description makes reference to particularfeatures. It is to be understood that the disclosure in thisspecification includes all possible combinations of those particularfeatures. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in thecontext of a particular aspect or embodiment, that feature can also beused, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects andembodiments.

Also, when reference is made in this application to a method having twoor more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations canbe carried out in any order or simultaneously, unless the contextexcludes those possibilities.

Furthermore, the term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents areused in this application to mean that other components, features, steps,processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, anarticle “comprising” or “which comprises” components A, B, and C cancontain only components A, B, and C, or it can contain components A, B,and C along with one or more other components.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described forpurposes of illustration, it will be understood that variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited exceptas by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A game controller for a mobile device, the game controllercomprising: a first handle configured to contact and support a mobiledevice, the first handle comprising a user-accessible, first hardwareinterface on a main body portion of the first handle and configured toaccept touch inputs; a bridge having a span extending away from the mainbody portion of the first handle, the span having a transverse midline,the bridge and the first handle being configured for the main bodyportion of the first handle to translate in a retraction directiontoward the midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration andalso to translate in an extension direction away from the transversemidline of the bridge into an extended configuration, in which a guideportion of the first handle extends from the main body portion of thefirst handle and along a first end of the span of the bridge, the guideportion of the first handle configured to align the bridge with the mainbody portion of the first handle, the bridge being in sliding engagementwith the guide portion of the first handle; a first spring mechanismconfigured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration;and a first latch mechanism configured to temporarily lock the bridge inthe extended configuration.
 2. The game controller of claim 1, in whichthe first latch mechanism comprises an elastic body coupled to thebridge and configured to contact and frictionally engage a raisedportion on the first linear rack in the extended configuration anddisengage the raised portion on the first linear rack in the retractedconfiguration, the elastic body configured to elastically distort whenengaged with the raised portion of the first linear rack.
 3. The gamecontroller of claim 1, in which the first latch mechanism comprises aresilient clip on the first handle, the resilient clip configured tocontact and engage an outer edge of the bridge in the extendedconfiguration and disengage from the outer edge of the bridge in theretracted configuration.
 4. The game controller of claim 3, in which aguide portion of the first handle extends from the main body portion ofthe first handle and along a first end of the span of the bridge, theguide portion of the first handle configured to align the bridge withthe main body portion of the first handle, and in which the resilientclip is within the guide portion of the first handle.
 5. The gamecontroller of claim 1, the first latch mechanism being furtherconfigured to require a first disengagement force in the retractiondirection to unlock the bridge from the extended configuration, thefirst disengagement force being greater than a first retraction forceexerted on the first latch mechanism in the retraction direction by thefirst spring mechanism.
 6. The game controller of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first linear rack coupled to the first handle and insliding engagement with the bridge, the first linear rack extendingsubstantially along the span of the bridge; and a pinion affixed to thebridge and in contact with the first linear rack, the pinion configuredto rotate relative to the bridge as the first linear rack is translatedrelative to the pinion.
 7. The game controller of claim 1, in which thefirst spring mechanism comprises a first constant-load spring connectingthe first handle to the bridge, the first constant-load springconfigured to exert a substantially constant force in the retractiondirection.
 8. The game controller of claim 1, further comprising: asecond handle configured to contact and support the mobile device, thesecond handle comprising a user-accessible, second hardware interface ona main body portion of the second handle and configured to accept touchinputs, the bridge being in sliding engagement with the second handle,the transverse midline of the bridge being between the first handle andthe second handle, the bridge and the second handle being configured forthe main body portion of the second handle to translate along the bridgein the retraction direction toward the transverse midline of the bridgeand into the retracted configuration and also to translate in theextension direction away from the transverse midline of the bridge andinto the extended configuration; a second spring mechanism configured tobias the second handle toward the retracted configuration; and a secondlatch mechanism configured to temporarily lock the bridge in theextended configuration.
 9. A game controller for a mobile device, thegame controller comprising: a first handle configured to contact andsupport a mobile device, the first handle comprising a user-accessible,first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle andconfigured to accept touch inputs; a bridge in sliding engagement withthe first handle, the bridge having a span extending away from the mainbody portion of the first handle, the span having a transverse midline,the bridge and the first handle being configured for the main bodyportion of the first handle to translate in a retraction directiontoward the transverse midline of the bridge and into a retractedconfiguration and also to translate in an extension direction away fromthe transverse midline of the bridge into an extended configuration, inwhich a guide portion of the first handle extends from the main bodyportion of the first handle and along a first end of the span of thebridge, the guide portion of the first handle configured to align thebridge with the main body portion of the first handle; a first springmechanism configured to bias the first handle toward the retractedconfiguration; and a first latch mechanism configured to temporarilylock the bridge in the extended configuration, the first latch mechanismbeing further configured to require a first disengagement force in theretraction direction to unlock the bridge from the extendedconfiguration, the first disengagement force being greater than a firstretraction force exerted on the first latch mechanism in the retractiondirection by the first spring mechanism.
 10. A game controller for amobile device, the game controller comprising: a first handle configuredto contact and support a mobile device, the first handle comprising auser-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of thefirst handle and configured to accept touch inputs; a bridge in slidingengagement with the first handle, the bridge having a span extendingaway from the main body portion of the first handle, the span having atransverse midline, the bridge and the first handle being configured forthe main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retractiondirection toward the transverse midline of the bridge and into aretracted configuration and also to translate in an extension directionaway from the transverse midline of the bridge into an extendedconfiguration, in which a guide portion of the first handle extends fromthe main body portion of the first handle and along a first end of thespan of the bridge, the guide portion of the first handle configured toalign the bridge with the main body portion of the first handle; a firstspring mechanism configured to bias the first handle toward theretracted configuration; and a first latch mechanism configured totemporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration; a firstlinear rack coupled to the first handle and in sliding engagement withthe bridge, the first linear rack extending substantially along the spanof the bridge; and a pinion affixed to the bridge and in contact withthe first linear rack, the pinion configured to rotate relative to thebridge as the first linear rack is translated relative to the pinion.11. The game controller of claim 10, in which the first latch mechanismcomprises a catch coupled to the bridge and configured to contact andengage a step on the first linear rack in the extended configuration anddisengage the step on the first linear rack in the retractedconfiguration.
 12. The game controller of claim 11, in which the catchis pivotally coupled to the bridge, the first latch mechanism furthercomprising a cantilevered spring configured to apply a torque to thecatch to bias the catch against the first linear rack.
 13. The gamecontroller of claim 12, in which the cantilevered spring is integral toand extends from the catch.
 14. The game controller of claim 11, inwhich the catch comprises a tension spring having an engagement portion,the tension spring configured to bias the engagement portion against thefirst linear rack, the engagement portion configured to engage the stepin the extended configuration.
 15. A game controller for a mobiledevice, the game controller comprising: a first handle configured tocontact and support a mobile device, the first handle comprising auser-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of thefirst handle and configured to accept touch inputs; a bridge in slidingengagement with the first handle, the bridge having a span extendingaway from the main body portion of the first handle, the span having atransverse midline, the bridge and the first handle being configured forthe main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retractiondirection toward the transverse midline of the bridge and into aretracted configuration and also to translate in an extension directionaway from the transverse midline of the bridge into an extendedconfiguration, in which a guide portion of the first handle extends fromthe main body portion of the first handle and along a first end of thespan of the bridge, the guide portion of the first handle configured toalign the bridge with the main body portion of the first handle; a firstspring mechanism configured to bias the first handle toward theretracted configuration, the first spring mechanism comprising a firstconstant-load spring connecting the first handle to the bridge, thefirst constant-load spring configured to exert a substantially constantforce in the retraction direction; and a first latch mechanismconfigured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.16. A game controller for a mobile device, the game controllercomprising: a first handle configured to contact and support a mobiledevice, the first handle comprising a user-accessible, first hardwareinterface on a main body portion of the first handle and configured toaccept touch inputs; a bridge in sliding engagement with the firsthandle, the bridge having a span extending away from the main bodyportion of the first handle, the span having a transverse midline, thebridge and the first handle being configured for the main body portionof the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward thetransverse midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration andalso to translate in an extension direction away from the transversemidline of the bridge into an extended configuration, in which a guideportion of the first handle extends from the main body portion of thefirst handle and along a first end of the span of the bridge, the guideportion of the first handle configured to align the bridge with the mainbody portion of the first handle; a first spring mechanism configured tobias the first handle toward the retracted configuration; a secondhandle configured to contact and support the mobile device, the secondhandle comprising a user-accessible, second hardware interface on a mainbody portion of the second handle and configured to accept touch inputs,the bridge being in sliding engagement with the second handle, thetransverse midline of the bridge being between the first handle and thesecond handle, the bridge and the second handle being configured for themain body portion of the second handle to translate along the bridge inthe retraction direction toward the transverse midline of the bridge andinto the retracted configuration and also to translate in the extensiondirection away from the transverse midline of the bridge and into theextended configuration; a second spring mechanism configured to bias thesecond handle toward the retracted configuration; and a second latchmechanism configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extendedconfiguration.
 17. The game controller of claim 16, the second latchmechanism being further configured to require a second disengagementforce in the retraction direction to unlock the bridge from the extendedconfiguration, the second disengagement force being greater than asecond retraction force exerted on the second latch mechanism in theretraction direction by the second spring mechanism.
 18. The gamecontroller of claim 16, further comprising a second linear rack coupledto the second handle and in sliding engagement with the bridge, thesecond linear rack extending substantially along the span of the bridge,the pinion being in contact with the second linear rack, the pinionfurther configured to rotate relative to the bridge as the second linearrack is translated relative to the pinion.
 19. The game controller ofclaim 16, in which the second spring mechanism comprises a secondconstant-load spring connecting the second handle to the bridge, thesecond constant-load spring configured to exert a substantially constantforce in the retraction direction.
 20. The game controller of claim 16,in which a guide portion of the second handle extends from the main bodyportion of the second handle and along a second end of the span of thebridge, the guide portion of the second handle configured to align thebridge with the main body portion of the second handle.
 21. A gamecontroller for a mobile device, the game controller comprising: a firsthandle configured to contact and support a mobile device, the firsthandle comprising a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a mainbody portion of the first handle and configured to accept touch inputs;a second handle configured to contact and support the mobile device, thesecond handle comprising a user-accessible, second hardware interface ona main body portion of the second handle and configured to accept touchinputs; a bridge coupling the first handle to the second handle, thefirst handle further comprising a guide portion extending from the mainbody portion of the first handle and along a first end of the bridge,the guide portion of the first handle configured to align the bridgewith the main body portion of the first handle, the bridge being insliding engagement with the guide portion of the first handle and thesecond handle.
 22. The game controller of claim 21, in which a guideportion of the second handle extends from the main body portion of thesecond handle and along a second end of the bridge, the guide portion ofthe second handle configured to align the bridge with the main bodyportion of the second handle.
 23. The game controller of claim 21, inwhich the bridge has a span extending away from the first handle, thespan having a transverse midline between the first handle and the secondhandle, the bridge and the first handle being configured for the firsthandle to translate in a retraction direction toward the transversemidline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also totranslate in an extension direction away from the transverse midline ofthe bridge into an extended configuration, the bridge and the secondhandle being configured for the second handle to translate along thebridge in the retraction direction toward the transverse midline of thebridge and into the retracted configuration and also to translate in theextension direction away from the transverse midline of the bridge andinto the extended configuration, the bridge being further configuredsuch that the first handle and the second handle are equidistant fromthe transverse midline of the bridge when the first handle and thesecond handle are translating from the retracted configuration to theextended configuration.
 24. The game controller of claim 23, in whichthe bridge is further configured such that the first handle and thesecond handle are equidistant from the transverse midline of the bridgewhen the first handle and the second handle are translating from theextended configuration to the retracted configuration.